Power supply assembly for motorized vehicles

ABSTRACT

A power supply assembly is provided for a Personalized Motorized Vehicle (PMV) including a detachable mounting assembly therefor which facilitates the ease of attachment of a Power Supply Unit (PSU) to a main structural frame of the PMV, provides a positive electrical and structural connection therebetween, and integrates the power supply assembly with the external geometry of the PMV to provide an aesthetically pleasing external appearance. The power supply assembly includes a pair of PSUs, each unit having a housing structure which includes at least one segment projecting from a center body portion thereof. A segment of one PSU unit overlaps a segment of another PSU unit and another segment of one PSU overlaps a portion of the main structural frame. Electrical connectors are disposed in combination with the overlapping housing segments for electrically coupling the PSUs and at least one PSU to the PMV. The power supply, assembly, furthermore includes a retention subassembly for structurally connecting each PSU to the main structural frame. More specifically, the retention subassembly comprises a base support for accepting a power supply unit and having retention walls for in-plane retention of the power supply unit, an aperture disposed in the housing structure and a latching mechanism engaging the aperture for vertically retaining the power supply unit.

This present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/509,491, filed on Oct. 8, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to Power Supply Assemblies (PSAs) forPersonalized Motorized Vehicles, and more particularly, to a new anduseful detachable mounting assembly therefor which facilitates ease ofattachment of a Power Supply Unit (PSU) to a main structural frame ofthe PMV, provides a positive electrical and structural connectiontherebetween, and integrates the power supply assembly with the externalgeometry of the PMV to provide an aesthetically pleasing externalappearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personalized Motorized Vehicles (PMVs) have become increasingly popularin the past decade due, in great part, to the societal changes effectedby the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of June 1990. The ADA has,inter alia, effected sweeping changes to provide equal access andfreedom of movement/mobility for disabled individuals. Notably, variousstructural changes have been mandated to the construction of homes,sidewalks, and even parkway/river crossings, e.g., bridges, to enlargeentrances and provide ramped surfaces to ease mobility for disabledpersons in and around society.

Furthermore, electrically-powered PMVs offer an environmentally friendlyalternative to gasoline burning vehicles such as gas-powered scooters,mopeds, motorcycles, etc. Finally, various technologies have made themass production of such PMVs fiscally rewarding to manufacturers andaffordable for the consumer. For example, the development of long-liferechargeable power supply units, e.g., lithium batteries, fuel cells,etc., has made PMVs practical for everyday use.

While significant advances have been made, there are still many designchallenges/limitations which require innovation and improvement. Onesuch area relates to the transportability of such PMVs within othervehicles for use at other destinations. Generally, the size and weightof such PMVs presents challenges, even for individuals of considerablestrength and dexterity, to lift the PMV into an automobile ordisassemble the PMV into manageable subassemblies. Some of the heaviersubassemblies to manipulate include the power supply units, e.g.,rechargeable batteries, which, individually, can weight in excess oftwenty 20 pounds.

Conventionally, each battery is mounted to a floor pan of the PMV bymeans of a pair of long threaded rods disposed on opposite sides of abattery for clamping the battery to the floor pan. Each rod has aL-bracket at one end for engaging an upper surface of the power supplyunit and a J-hook at the other end engaging a mounting aperture of thefloor pan. Further, each L-bracket includes an aperture for engaging andsliding longitudinally along the rod. The rod is urged against thebattery by a conventional wing-nut. Consequently, to remove the battery,the wing-nuts are loosened to disengage the L-brackets and the rods aredisplaced sufficiently to enable the battery to clear the brackets.Generally, each battery will include a strap extending across its top tofacilitate handling of the battery. While this assembly provides apositive mounting arrangement for attaching the battery to the floor panof the PMV (such positive mounting being especially critical forbatteries subject to motion or vibration), this mounting arrangementdoes not facilitate rapid removal and reassembly.

Other mounting arrangements designed with such assembly/disassemblyattributes, typically include a hook & rail assembly or a channel &track arrangement disposed along the upper side surfaces of a powersupply unit. A typical hook & rail assembly may include, for example,J-shaped hooks disposed in combination with a battery/battery box forbeing hung on a pair of parallel rails attached to and supported by thePMV frame. As such, the battery/battery box may be installed verticallyand relies upon its own weight to prevent the hooks from disengaging therails. While this mounting arrangement facilitates ease of installationor disassembly, it does not positively retain the battery/battery boxand, consequently, may not be suited for certain PMVs which experiencevertical motion/acceleration, e.g. travelling upon rough terrain.

With respect to channel and track mounting arrangements, channels areformed in combination with the battery/battery box and engage tracksattached to the PMV frame. Installation and disassembly of thebattery/battery box requires that the channels slideably engage thetrack by insertion of the channels through an open end of the track. Assuch the battery/battery box does not “dropped in” vertically (possiblewith the hook & rail assembly discussed supra), but slides inhorizontally. While the channels and track can be configured topositively engage and retain the battery/battery box, the mountingarrangement requires that space be provided for the battery/battery boxto slide in a horizontal plane for engaging the track. Accordingly, thismounting arrangement may be unsuitable for PMVs wherein space is adesign constraint.

In addition to the structural and/or functional disadvantages of theprior art, the battery/battery box and/or mounting assemblies thereforproduce an aesthetically unattractive external appearance. Consequently,such components and assemblies are typically occluded or hidden fromsight by a more aesthetically pleasing chassis element or PMV component.For example, a contoured external fuselage or a seat/seat supportassembly may be disposed over the battery/battery box to precludeviewing of the battery/battery box and/or mounting arrangement.Consequently, these elements or assemblies must be additionally removedto access and disassemble the battery/battery box.

A need, therefore, exists for an assembly which positively mounts apower supply unit to a base frame support, facilitates rapiddisassembly/reassembly of the power supply unit from the base framesupport, and produces an aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A power supply assembly is provided for a Personalized Motorized Vehicle(PMV) including a detachable mounting assembly therefor whichfacilitates the ease of attachment of a Power Supply Unit (PSU) to amain structural frame of the PMV, provides a positive electrical andstructural connection therebetween, and integrates the power supplyassembly with the external geometry of the PMV to provide anaesthetically pleasing external profile. The power supply assemblyincludes a pair of PSUs, each unit having a housing structure whichincludes at least one segment projecting from a center body portionthereof. A segment of one PSU unit overlaps a segment of another PSUunit and another segment of one PSU overlaps a portion of the mainstructural frame. Electrical connectors are disposed in combination withthe overlapping housing segments for electrically coupling the PSUs andat least one PSU to the PMV.

The power supply assembly, furthermore, includes a retention subassemblyfor structurally connecting each PSU to the main structural frame. Morespecifically, the retention subassembly comprises a base support foraccepting a power supply unit and having retention walls for in-planeretention of the power supply unit, an aperture disposed in the housingstructure and a latching mechanism engaging the aperture for verticallyretaining the power supply unit.

The power supply units produce a geometrically blended external profilewhen the housing structures are juxtaposed. Furthermore, the handle ofthe latching mechanism is externally accessible and geometrically blendswith the external contour of the main structural frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings various forms that are presently preferred; it beingunderstood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and constructions particularly shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Personalized Motorized Vehicle (PMV)employing a Power Supply Assembly (PSA) according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the relevant components of the PSAincluding electrical connectors, a retaining subassembly, and a pair ofPower Supply Units (PSU).

FIG. 3 a is an enlarged view isolated view of the male and femalecontacts of an electrical connector employed in the PSA of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 b is a cross sectional view all of an assembled connectoremployed in the PSA of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross the sectional view of taken substantially along line4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partially broken away cross sectional view of the retentionassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 depicting a pin engaging an aperture of a Power Supply Unit(PSU).

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 ofFIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifylike elements, components, subassemblies etc., FIG. 1 depicts aPersonalized Motorized Vehicle (PMV) 2 including a Power Supply Assembly(PSA) 20 according to the present invention. In the describedembodiment, the PMV 2 is a three-wheeled scooter having a mainstructural frame 3, a seat 4 a, a seat support stanchion 4 b (raisedrelative to the main body), a front wheel 5 disposed in combination witha steering column 6, a pair of aft wheels 7 (only one being shown in theperspective view), a contoured chassis 9, and a pair of Power SupplyUnits (PSU) 10 a, 10 b, e.g., batteries. The main structural frame 3includes a forward frame portion for mounting the steering column 6, anaft frame portion for mounting the aft wheels 7, side supports 3 _(SS)for structurally interconnecting the forward and aft frame portions, andat least one cross member 3 _(CM) for structurally interconnecting theside frame supports 3 _(SS). A drive train assembly (not shown) isdisposed aft of the seat 4 a and includes a high torque electric motorfor driving the aft wheels 6 through a reduction gearbox. The PMV 2 isoperated by conventional throttle controls 16 disposed on the steeringcolumn 8 for issuing commands to a controller (not shown) through apower distribution system (e.g., wiring harnesses) for providingelectric power to the PMV 2.

The PSA 20 comprises elements which effect electrical continuity betweenone of the PSU 10 a, 10 b and electrical systems/harnesses of the PMV 2,continuity between one of the PSU 10 a, 10 b and a charging unit, orcontinuity between two or more PSUs 10 a, 10 b. The PSA 20 comprises theelements which are interposed between the frame 3 and at least one ofthe power supply units 10 a, 10 b and functions to secure the powersupply units 10 a, 10 b to the main structural frame 3. Additionally,the PSA 20 comprises elements which integrate one of the PSUs 10 a, 10 bwithin or to the contoured chassis 9. Further, in the context usedherein, the main structural frame 3 is defined to include any structuralelement rigidly affixed or stationary with respect to the frame 3.Hence, portions of the contoured chassis 9 may be viewed as sub-elementsof the main structural frame 3. Further, a PSU is defined to includeelements which are integral with the PSU or, elements which, for allintents and purposes, are permanently affixed to a PSU and only removedor disconnected for repair and/or maintenance. Hence, a battery box orcontainer, which houses a battery and contains the necessary electricalconnections therebetween, is also part of the PSU 10.

In the preferred embodiment and referring to FIG. 2, the Power SupplyAssembly 20 comprises (i) the Power Supply Units 10 a, 10 b, (ii)electrical connectors 22 for establishing electrical connectionsbetween: (i)(a) PSU 10 a and PSU 10 b, and (i)(b) one of the PSUs 10 a,10 b and the PMV 2, and (ii) a retention subassembly 24 for positivelyengaging the PSUs 10 a, 10 b relative to the frame 3. Each of theprinciple elements of the PSA 20, i.e., the electrical connector 22 andretention subassembly 24, will be discussed in greater detail in thesubsequent paragraphs.

In the exploded and cross sectional views of FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 4,respectively, each of the PSUs 10 a, 10 b includes a housing structure30 a, 30 b, portions of which project from the center body portion, tosupport and facilitate alignment of the electrical connectors 22. Morespecifically, each of the PSU 10 a, 10 b includes laterallyprojecting/recessing housing segments 30 _(LA), one such segment 30_(LAa) geometrically interlocking with the other segment 30 _(Lb), toeffect an electrical connection between the PSUs 10 a, 10 b. In thedescribed embodiment, the segments 30 _(LAa), 30 _(LAb) are juxtaposedin relation to the segments 30 _(LAa), 30 _(LAb), of the opposed housingstructure 30 a, 30 b. Further, the segments 30 _(LAa) 30 _(LAb) overlapsuch that relative vertical displacement of the PSUs 10 a, 10 b willeffect electrical engagement of the contacts 22 _(L1), 22 _(L2). Thatis, the male contacts 22 _(M) of the electrical connectors 22 _(L1), 22_(L2) are disposed in combination with the upper overlapping segment 30_(LAa) while female contacts 22 _(F) are disposed in combination withthe lower overlapping segment 30 _(LAb). In the context used herein, theterm “overlapping” means that the segments 30 _(La), 30 _(Lb) and theirrespective connectors 22 _(M), 22 _(F) define a substantially horizontalmating plane.

In FIGS. 2-4 each male contact 22 _(M) includes a vertically orientedcylindrical post 22 _(MP) (best seen in FIG. 3 a) and each femalecontact 22 _(F) includes an cylindrical array of longitudinal fingers 22_(FLF). As a male contact 22 _(M) makes contact with a female contact 22_(F), the cylindrical array of fingers 22 _(FLF) spread to accept thepost 22 _(MP) (i.e., the long slender shape of fingers effects a seriesof cantilever springs which spread and capture the post 22 _(MP)).

In addition to the electrical connectors 22 _(L1), 22 _(L2) forelectrically coupling the juxtaposed PSUs 10 a, 20 b, three (3) primaryelectrical connectors 22 _(P(+)), 22 _(N(−)), 22 _(G(0)) are madebetween the PSUs 10 a, 10 b and the main structural frame 3. That is, apositive (+), negative (−), and ground (0) connection are made toprovide power to the drive train assembly and/or other PMV componentsrequiring electric power. In the described embodiment, the PSU housingstructures 30 a, 30 b include longitudinally projecting segments 30_(LOa), 30 _(LOb) for supporting and mounting the primary electricalconnectors 22 _(P(+)), 22 _(N(−)), 22 _(G(0)) for powering the PMV 2.Similar to the lateral segments 30 _(LAa) 30 _(LAb), the longitudinalsegments 30 _(LOa), 30 _(LOb) may also be viewed as overlapping withrespect to the underlying main structural frame 3. In the describedembodiment, the positive and negative contacts 22 _(P(+)), 22 _(N(−))are mounted in combination with one of the PSUs 10 a while the groundcontact 22 _(G(0)) is mounted in combination with the other of the PSUs10 b. While not an element of the mounting/installation assembly 20, atleast one of the PSUs 10 a may include an electrical port 31 forrecharging the PSUs 10 a, 10 b. For recharging, the PSUs 10 a, 10 b areelectrically coupled, i.e., coupled via lateral contacts 22 _(L1), 22_(L2). This configuration also allows for the PSUs 10 a, 10 b to berecharged while not attached to the PMV 2. PSUs 10 a, 10 b can beremoved from the PMV 2, recoupled together, and recharged simultaneouslyas a unit via electrical port 31 while not attached to the PMV 2 usingan external power source (e.g., battery charger coupled to a householdelectrical outlet).

In the Figures, it will be apparent that the housing structures 30 a, 30b mate to form a geometrically blended external profile. In the contextused herein, geometrically blended means that portions of the housingstructures are contiguous and are substantially flush (i.e., no abruptchanges in the external geometry, e.g., steps) at the juncture of thehousing structures 30 a, 30 b. For example, the overlapping segments 30_(LAa) 30 _(LAb), form an interlocking ellipse (best seen in FIG. 1)wherein the visible portion of the housing segments, i.e., segment 30_(LAb), smoothly blends at the juncture of the housing structures 30 a,30 b. Furthermore, the overlapping segments 30 _(LOa), 30 _(LOb)geometrically blend with the contoured chassis profile rearward of thePSA 20. Finally, recesses 32 a, 32 b are provided in the PSU housingstructures 30 a, 30 b to facilitate flush mounting of handles 33 a, 33 bfor mounting or removing the PSUs 10 a, 10 b into and out of position.

To maintain positive electrical continuity across the male and femalecontacts 22 _(M), 22 _(F) of the electrical connectors 22 and to preventin-plane loads (i.e., longitudinal and lateral) from acting on theconnectors 22, the retention subassembly 24 (FIG. 2) secures each of thePSUs 10 a, 10 b relative to the main structural frame 3. Inasmuch aseach retention subassembly 24 is essentially identical (i.e., the mirrorimage) of the other, only one of the retention subassemblies 24associated with the right-hand (from an occupant's perspective) PSU 10 bwill be described.

In FIGS. 2 and 5, the retention subassembly 24 comprises a base support34 for accepting the power supply unit 10 b, an aperture 36 formed alongthe underside 30 of the PSU housing 30 a, and a latching mechanism 38for vertically retaining the power supply unit 10 b relative to the basesupport 24. Before discussing the functional interaction of the variouscomponents of the retention subassembly 24, a brief description of thestructural features of each will be provided to facilitate anunderstanding of its operation.

The support base 34 is disposed in combination with the main supportframe 3 and configured to match the shape/mate with the PSU 10 b. Morespecifically, the support base 34 defines vertical retaining walls 34_(W) which abut mating walls 30 _(W) of the PSU housing 30 b. Thevertical walls 34 _(W) are also tapered to align the PSU 10 b uponinstallation.

Along the underside 30 _(U) of the PSA housing 30 b is a lateral channel39 which forms a vertical wall 39 _(W). The aperture 36 is disposedthrough the vertical wall 40 _(W) and at a location which closelycorresponds to the centroid 30 b _(C) of the support base 34.

In FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the latching mechanism 38 comprises a cylindricalsleeve 40 mounting to the main structural frame 3, a pin 42 disposedthrough the sleeve 40, and a handle 44 operative to displace the pin 42within the sleeve 40. More specifically, the main structural frame 3includes a lug 46 which in combination with the side support 3 _(SS),define aligned apertures 48L and 48S, respectively. The apertures 48L,48S accept and support the cylindrical sleeve 40 in a substantiallyhorizontal plane. The cylindrical sleeve 40 has a flanged end 50, athreaded end 52, and a longitudinal bore 54 extending the length of thesleeve 40. Further, the cylindrical sleeve 40 includes first and secondinternal circular grooves 58, 60 formed along the internal wall 54 _(W)of the bore 54. The grooves 58, 60 are spaced-apart and disposed betweenthe flanged and threaded ends 50, 52 of the cylindrical sleeve 40. Whenassembled in combination with the frame 3, the flange 50 _(F) of thesleeve 40 abuts the longitudinal side support 3 _(SS), and the threads50 _(T) are disposed on each side of the lug 46. As such, a pair ofnuts/washers 62 are employed to engage the threads 50 _(T), and capturethe lug 46 therebetween.

The pin 42 is disposed through the cylindrical bore 54 of the sleeve 40and extends beyond each end 50 or 52 of the sleeve 40. Morespecifically, the pin 42 has an outboard end 42 _(OE) which is pivotallymounted to the engagement handle 44 and a tapered inboard end 42 _(TE)aligned with the aperture 36 along the underside 30 _(U) of the PSUhousing 30 a. Further, the pin 42 includes a radially-biased ball catch70 disposed between the inboard and outboard ends 42 _(OE), 42 _(TE).

Finally, in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the engagement handle 44 is pivotallymounted to the longitudinal side support 3 _(SS) and pivots outboard,away from the PSU 10 b, relative to the side support 3 _(SS). Further, apivot connection 74 (FIG. 8) between the handle 44 and the side support3 _(SS) includes an elongated aperture 74 _(O) to allow both rotationaland translational motion. This feature will be understood whendiscussing the operation of the handle 40. Further, the engagementhandle 44 is disposed laterally outboard of the PSU 10 b, and isexternally accessible.

With respect to the operation of the PSA 20, (referring collectively tothe Figures) the engagement handle 44 is positioned/rotated outwardlycausing the pin 42 to traverse relative to the cylindrical sleeve 40.The pin 42 is recessed within the cylindrical sleeve 40 until the ballcatch 70 aligns with and engages a first detent position created by theinternal circular groove 58. The first detent position corresponds to adisengaged pin position which provides clearance for the housingstructure 30 b as it seats within the base support 34. Morespecifically, the first detent position ensures adequate clearancebetween the tapered end 42 _(TE) of the pin 42 and the vertical wall 40_(W) which defines the aperture 36. The PSU 10 b is then verticallylowered into the base support 34. As the PSU 10 b is lowered, thetapered walls 34 _(W) thereof align the PSU 10 b relative to the mainstructural frame 3 and, simultaneously, align the male and femalecontacts 22 _(M), 22 _(F). While some downward force may be required,the weight of the PSU 10 b will generally be sufficient to cause theposts 22 _(P) of the male contacts 22 _(M) to engage and spread thelongitudinal fingers 22 _(LF) of the female contacts 22 _(F). As such,the requisite electrical connections are made.

Once fully seated, the aperture 36 of the PSU housing 30 a will alignwith the tapered end 42 _(TE) of the pin 42. The handle 44 is thenrotated to effect linear displacement of the pin 42 to cause engagementthereof with the aperture 36. In view of the pure linear motion of thepin 42 within the cylindrical sleeve (i.e., the sleeve 40 being fixedlymounted to the frame), the pivot connection 74 must necessarilyaccommodate both rotational and translational motion. That is, thelinear component of displacement caused by the arcuate motion of thehandle 44 is accommodated by the elongate aperture 74 _(O) of the pivotconnection 74. When the handle 44 is fully engaged, the ball catch 70 isaligned with and engages a second detent position created by theinternal groove 60. Furthermore, the handle 44 is flush with theexternal profile of the chassis 9.

The PSA assembly 20, therefore, effects all requisite electrical andstructural connections by two simple movements. That is, all electricalconnections are effected by a single downward (vertical) motion of thePSUs 10 a, 10 b while all structural connections are made by pivoting ahandle 44 to effect pin engagement. With respect to the latter, the PSU10 a, 10 b are retained laterally and longitudinally by the abuttingwalls 34 _(W) of the base support 34 and retained vertically by the pin42. As such, the retaining walls 34 _(W) of the support base 34 reactin-plane loads, i.e., principally in-plane inertial loads, acting on thePSU 10 b, while the pin 42 and aperture 36 react vertical loads.Consequently, the electrical connectors 22 are essentially unloaded,thereby ensuring long-life and reliable service.

In addition to the positive electrical/structural connection effected bythe PSA assembly 20, the accessibility and ease with which the handle 44may lock or unlock the PSA 20 facilitates transport of the PMV 20 toalternate destinations. That is, both PSUs 10 a, 10 b can be removedwithout dismantling a chassis or frame as is typically required by priorart mounting assemblies.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the PSA assembly 20 provides anability to blend functional and structural components, i.e., theelectrical connectors 22, PSA housing 30 a, 30 b, engagement handle 44,into an aesthetically pleasing package. Furthermore, the PSA assembly 20provides a “faired” contour for reducing aerodynamic drag of the vehicleand, consequently, improving performance.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributesthereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appendedclaims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating thescope of the invention.

1. A power supply assembly for a Personalized Motorized Vehicle (PMV)having a main structural frame for mounting one or more electricalcomponents, the power supply assembly comprising: at least one pair ofpower supply units disposed in combination with the main structuralframe, each unit having a housing structure including at least onesegment projecting from a center body portion thereof, a segment of onepower supply unit overlapping a segment of another power supply unit,and another segment of one power supply unit overlapping a portion ofsaid main structural frame; and electrical connectors disposed incombination with the overlapping housing segments for electricallycoupling the power supply units and at least one power supply unit tothe PMV.
 2. The power supply assembly according to claim 1 furthercomprising: a retention subassembly including: a base support foraccepting a power supply unit and having retention wall structures forin-plane retention of the power supply unit; said housing structure ofat least one power supply unit including an aperture; and a latchingmechanism engaging said aperture for vertically retaining the powersupply unit in the base support.
 3. The power supply assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein said power supply units are juxtaposed and saidhousing structures of the power supply units producing a geometricallyblended external profile.
 4. The power supply assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said overlapping housing segments geometricallyinterlock and, in combination, form a generally elliptical shape.
 5. Thepower supply assembly according to claim 3 wherein said geometricallyblended external profile is aerodynamically faired.
 6. The power supplyassembly according to claim 3 wherein said overlapping housing segmentsgeometrically interlock and, in combination, form a generally ellipticalshape.
 7. The power supply assembly according to claim 2 wherein saidlatching mechanism includes a pin disposed in combination with the mainstructural frame and operative to engage said housing aperture, and ahandle connecting to and displacing the pin into and out of engagementwith the housing aperture.
 8. The power supply assembly according toclaim 7 wherein said handle is pivotally mounted to the main structuralframe, is externally accessible, and geometrically blends with the mainstructural frame in an engaged position.
 9. The power supply assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein each of the housing structures includes arecess, and a handle mounting to the housing structure, saidinstallation handle furthermore extending across the recess forinstalling and removing a power supply unit from the respective basesupport.
 10. The power supply assembly according to claim 2 wherein thelatching mechanism further includes: a cylindrical sleeve mounting tothe main structural support and having a central bore extending thelength of the cylindrical sleeve, the central bore having internalgrooves defining first and second detent positions; a pin disposedwithin the central bore, said pin having an outboard end pivotallymounted to said handle, a tapered inboard end aligned with saidaperture, and a ball catch disposed therebetween; and a handle pivotallyconnecting to and displacing the pin into and out of engagement with thehousing aperture; said ball catch aligning with and engaging saidinternal grooves in response to a displacement of said pin, said firstdetent position corresponding to a disengaged position of said latchingmechanism and said second detent position corresponding to an engagedposition of said latching mechanism.
 11. The power supply assemblyaccording to claim 1 further comprising an electrical port forconnecting said pair of power supply units to an external power sourcefor recharging.
 12. The power supply assembly according to claim 11,wherein said pair of power supply units is removed from said PMV duringrecharging.
 13. A Personalized Motorized Vehicle comprising: a frontwheel disposed in combination with a steering column; a pair of aftwheels; a drive train assembly for driving at least one of said aftwheels; a main structural frame having a forward frame portion formounting said steering column, an aft frame portion for mounting saidaft wheels, side supports for structurally interconnecting said forwardand aft frame portions, and at least one cross member for structurallyinterconnecting said side supports; a seat/seat support stanchionmounting to a cross member of said main structural frame; a means fordistributing power to one or more electrical components; and a powersupply assembly disposed in combination with a cross member support ofsaid main structural frame and delivering power to said powerdistribution system including: a pair of juxtaposed power supply units,each unit having a housing structure which, in combination, produce ageometrically blended external profile.
 14. The Personalized MotorizedVehicle according to claim 13 wherein the power supply assembly furthercomprises a retention subassembly for vertically retaining each of thepower supply units including: a base support for accepting a powersupply unit and having retention wall structures for in-plane retentionof the power supply unit; each of said housing structures including anaperture; and a latching mechanism engaging said aperture.
 15. ThePersonalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 13 wherein said powersupply units include at least one segment projecting from a center bodyportion thereof, a segment of one power supply unit overlapping asegment of another power supply unit; and electrical connectors disposedin combination with the overlapping housing segments for electricallycoupling the power supply units.
 16. The Personalized Motorized Vehicleaccording to claim 13 wherein said overlapping housing segmentsgeometrically interlock and, in combination, form a generally ellipticalshape.
 17. The Personalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 15wherein said geometrically blended external profile is aerodynamicallyfaired.
 18. The Personalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 15wherein said overlapping housing segments geometrically interlock and,in combination, form a generally elliptical shape.
 19. The PersonalizedMotorized Vehicle according to claim 14 wherein each said latchingmechanism includes a pin disposed in combination with the mainstructural frame and operative to engage said housing aperture, and ahandle connecting to and displacing the pin into and out of engagementwith the housing aperture.
 20. The Personalized Motorized Vehicleaccording to claim 19 wherein each said handle is pivotally mounted toone of the side supports and is externally accessible, said handle,furthermore, pivoting outboard away from said side support andgeometrically blending with the main structural frame in an engagedposition.
 21. The Personalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 11wherein each of the housing structures includes a recess and ainstallation handle mounting to the housing structure, said installationhandle furthermore extending across the recess for installing andremoving a power supply unit from the respective base support.
 22. ThePersonalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 14 wherein thelatching mechanism further includes: a cylindrical sleeve mounting tothe main structural support and having a central bore extending thelength of the cylindrical sleeve, the central bore having internalgrooves defining first and second detent positions; a pin disposedwithin the central bore, said pin having an outboard end pivotallymounted to said handle, a tapered inboard end aligned with saidaperture, and a ball catch disposed therebetween; and a handle pivotallyconnecting to and displacing the pin into and out of engagement with thehousing aperture; said ball catch aligning with and engaging saidinternal grooves in response to a displacement of said pin, said firstdetent position corresponding to a disengaged position of said latchingmechanism and said second detent position corresponding to an engagedposition of said latching mechanism.
 23. The Personalized MotorizedVehicle according to claim 11 wherein said power supply assembly isdisposed forward of said seat/seat support stanchion.
 24. ThePersonalized Motorized Vehicle according to claim 11 wherein said pairof power supply units further comprise an electrical port for connectingsaid pair of power supply units to an external power source forrecharging.
 25. The Personalized Motor Vehicle according to claim 24,wherein said pair of power supply units can be removed from said PMV forrecharging.